Better start practicing your Spanish because we’re calling it now that the hottest European destination of summer 2025 will be *drumroll please,* Spain!
As we know, it seemed everyone and their mother was sun-bathing in Corfu or partying in Paros this summer. The year prior, everyone couldn’t stop signing off their emails with “Ciao!” or “Arrivederci” after their two weeks in Roma or cruising the Amalfi Coast. And with summer 2025 ahead, we’re predicting a paella party in Madrid and beach visits in Barcelona, with everyone booking trips to none other than Spain.
So what makes us so sure that Spain is where everyone will be jet setting off to? Well, American Airlines just announced a brand new nonstop route to Madrid, Spain after predicting a spike in trans-Atlantic travel for spring/summer 2025. The new route departs from Chicago to Madrid, beginning March 30, 2025.
Beyond the Madrid flight, passengers headed on American Airlines vacations can choose from additional European destinations with new routes including direct flights to Italy, Scotland and Greece. Other European routes include:
✈️ Philadelphia to Milan – starting May 23
✈️ Philadelphia to Edinburgh – starting May 23
✈️ Charlotte to Athens – starting June 5
✈️ Miami to Rome – starting July 5
Of course, Italy and Greece will still be some of the top destinations for summer 2025. Even Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network planning, agrees stating “In ’23 when people saw this demand to Italy and Greece, some people speculated that it was a one-year thing. But then this year, that strength just kept going and our flights are full and the yields are strong…More capacity is warranted to address the demand.”
But back to Spain, tourism figures are expected to exceed 2024 predictions with a total of 90 million international travelers projected to visit Spain by the end of this year. Caixa Bank Research predicts this booming growth will continue into 2025. Furthermore, ForwardKeys data shows that Spain saw a 12% increase in international arrivals between July and August 2024, compared to the year before.
If you do end up booking your summer vacation to Spain, don’t forget to consult with our friends over at Madrid Secreto and Barcelona Secreta for a local’s guide to the best things to do while you’re there.